ptain asked a blessing, and the meal began.

They chatted pleasantly while eating, the principal subject of discourse
being their errand to the city. Violet had not heard Rosie express a
desire for any particular thing, but thought they would probably see
something in the stores that would strike them as handsome and suitable.

"Is Elsie going with you to-day, papa? and am I?" asked Neddie.

"Yes, my son, if you want to go," the captain replied. "And would you
like to buy some gifts for Aunt Rosie, too?"

"Oh, yes, yes indeed, papa!" cried, both children, Elsie adding: "But I
have only a little money. I'm afraid it won't be enough to buy anything
handsome enough for a wedding present."

"Well," their father said reflectively, "you have been good children,
and I feel inclined to give you each a present of ten dollars, which you
may dispose of as you like."

"Oh, thank you, papa!" both cried delightedly, Ned adding: "I s'pose
it's for us to buy something for Aunt Rosie with; isn't it, papa?"

"If you want to use it for that you may; but you are not compelled to do
so; you can spend it for someone else, or for yourself if you choose."

"I'm going to spend mine for Aunt Rosie," Elsie announced. "It was very
nice and kind in her to choose me for a flower girl at her wedding, and
I'd like to give her something very pretty; something that she would
like. Mamma, you will help me to choose my present, won't you?"

"With pleasure, daughter; and I am sure your papa and sisters will help
us in our selection. They all have good taste."

"And y'll all help me, too, won't you?" asked Ned. "I want to buy the
prettiest thing I can find for Aunt Rosie."

"Yes; you shall have all the advice you want, my son," his father said.
"And now, as you have all finished eating, we will go to the library and
have family worship; then make ourselves ready and set off upon our trip
to the city."

"I think we couldn't have selected a better time for our expedition,"
Violet said as they entered their carriage; "the air is bracing, the
weather delightful, and the roads are in excellent order, are they not,
my dear?"

"Yes," the captain answered, "we could ask no improvement, and I think
will travel rapidly enough to reach the city in very good season." They
did so and were successful in finding what they esteemed beautiful gifts
for the coming bridal. And Rosie's pleasure on receiving them was as
great as they, the givers, had hoped. She ha